Yes. Nail clippers are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags on US flights. Metal nail files are allowed too.
Carry-on bagAllowed
TSA allows nail clippers in carry-on bags with no size limit listed. Metal nail files are also allowed in carry-on.
Checked bagAllowed
Allowed in checked bags. Wrap or sheathe it in checked bags so baggage handlers and TSA inspectors can't get cut.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Nail clippers: allowed in carry-on and checked
- Metal nail files: allowed in carry-on and checked
Packing tips
- Some clippers have a small fold-out knife blade; that part makes them a knife in TSA's eyes, so choose a model without one.
- Manicure-kit scissors are judged under the scissors rule (blades under 4 inches from the pivot point).
Outside the US
- UKNail clippers and nail files are allowed in hand and hold luggage. Source
- CanadaCATSA lists nail clippers as allowed in carry-on. Source
Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.
Questions people ask
Can I bring nail clippers in my carry on?
Yes. TSA allows nail clippers in carry-on and checked bags.
Are metal nail files allowed on planes?
Yes. TSA lists metal nail files as allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.